Bhubaneswar: As many as 75 new COVID-19 cases were reported in Odisha in the last 24 hours, taking the State’s tally to 2856. The State also reported one more death due to COVID-19, taking the toll to 9. A highest of 18 cases each have been reported from Khurda and Sundergarh district, followed 7 cases […]

Bhubaneswar: As many as 75 new COVID-19 cases were reported in Odisha in the last 24 hours, taking the State’s tally to 2856. The State also reported one more death due to COVID-19, taking the toll to 9.

A highest of 18 cases each have been reported from Khurda and Sundergarh district, followed 7 cases in Jajpur, 5 cases in Cuttack and 4 cases from Nayagarh district, as per I &PR department.

As per health and family welfare department website, a 55-year-old male patient of Ganjam, who had tested positive for Covid, has passed away while undergoing treatment in hospital. He was suffering from Tuberculosis and other co-morbidities.

Regret to inform that a 55 year old male patient of Ganjam, who had tested positive for Covid, has passed away, while under treatment in hospital.

With this, Ganjam and Khurda districts have reported four deaths each due to COVID-19 while one death was earlier reported from Cuttack district.

Earlier, Odisha witnessed highest single-day spike of coronavirus with detection of 173 new cases on Saturday. Of the total positives, a highest 64 COVID-19 cases have been reported from Ganjam district, followed by 19 from Jajpur and 13 each from Cuttack and Mayurbhanj districts.

As many as 112 Covid-19 patients in Odisha had recovered from the disease yesterday.

Bhubaneswar: A security supervisor deployed at a residential apartment on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar was allegedly abducted by armed miscreants in the wee hours today. As per reports, three miscreants kidnapped the security supervisor, Luna Patnaik of High-tech plaza at Sunderpada area in a car. Though other security guards present there tried to resist, the […]

Bhubaneswar: A security supervisor deployed at a residential apartment on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar was allegedly abducted by armed miscreants in the wee hours today.

As per reports, three miscreants kidnapped the security supervisor, Luna Patnaik of High-tech plaza at Sunderpada area in a car. Though other security guards present there tried to resist, the miscreants threatened to attack them with sharp weapons and fled.

The entire incident was captured in CCTV cameras installed at the location.

Though the exact reason behind the kidnapping is still unclear, it is suspected that it could be the fallout of some past rivalry or dispute.

Senior officials of Airfield police have reached spot and further investigation is on.

Bhubaneswar: In view of a surge in COVID-19 positive cases, Khurda district administration has extended the institutional quarantine period for returnees from existing seven days to 14 days. In a letter to all block development officers (BDOs) of the district, Khurda Collector has highlighted instances where that returnees, who are discharged after undergoing seven days […]

Bhubaneswar: In view of a surge in COVID-19 positive cases, Khurda district administration has extended the institutional quarantine period for returnees from existing seven days to 14 days.

In a letter to all block development officers (BDOs) of the district, Khurda Collector has highlighted instances where that returnees, who are discharged after undergoing seven days of quarantine, are found positive in the test report while undergoing home quarantine.

Some of the rural households do not have separate toilet facilities which is one of the conditions set for home quarantine norms by the State government.

“Block Development Officers are instructed to extend the quarantine period of the returnees in temporary medical camps (TMCs) in all the blocks of the district. If the returnee is found asymptomatic, then they can be discharged from the TMC after 14 days and paid Rs 2000 (account payee cheque) along with discharge certificate,” the official notification read.

According to official sources, the field staff have been asked to monitor the health conditions of the returnees after completion of their institutional quarantine period for another seven days.

Bhubaneswar: Odisha’s capital city Bhubaneswar continues to witness a surge in COVID-19 cases with detection of five more positives on Saturday. Moreover, three departments of Utkal University, which is located in the capital city, were sealed today after an employee’s contact tested positive for coronavirus. According to university sources, Philosophy, English and Economics departments have […]

Bhubaneswar: Odisha’s capital city Bhubaneswar continues to witness a surge in COVID-19 cases with detection of five more positives on Saturday. Moreover, three departments of Utkal University, which is located in the capital city, were sealed today after an employee’s contact tested positive for coronavirus.

According to university sources, Philosophy, English and Economics departments have been sealed.

Following the order to seal the departments, all the employees have been barred from coming to office. Moreover, the varsity premises have also been sanitised.

According to Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC), five cases were detected in its jurisdiction (till 9 AM on June 6), of which 4 cases were under home quarantine while the fifth one is a local contact case.

Sharing the details of the cases, BMC informed that out of the four home quarantine cases, two from Dumduma and Ghatikia areas have travel history to West Bengal. Another case was reported from Old Town area with travel history to Gujarat. The case that has been traced in Pokhariput area has Delhi travel history in family.

The sole local contact case was reported from Gajapati Nagar area.

So far, a total 86 confirmed cases of coronavirus have been detected in Bhubaneswar of which 51 have recovered. Active cases currently stand at 32 while death toll in the capital city is three.

Bhubaneswar: There seems to be no end to the row over alleged irregularities in the procurement of Covid-19 equipment & medical supplies in Odisha with the Opposition, BJP and Congress on Saturday raising fingers at the ministerial-level committee and demanding an impartial probe. The Opposition questioned as to why the State government purchased triple-layered masks […]

Bhubaneswar: There seems to be no end to the row over alleged irregularities in the procurement of Covid-19 equipment & medical supplies in Odisha with the Opposition, BJP and Congress on Saturday raising fingers at the ministerial-level committee and demanding an impartial probe.

The Opposition questioned as to why the State government purchased triple-layered masks for Rs 16 per piece though the Centre in its guideline had clearly mentioned that the masks cannot be sold for more than Rs 10.

According to sources, the ministerial committee in its meeting on March 26 had approved a proposal of the procurement committee worth Rs 730.18 crore for purchase of medicines and other essential items for COVID-19 management in the State.

The Centre had issued a notification on Mach 21 clarifying that the triple-layered masks cannot be sold beyond Rs 10. Despite that the State government on April 17 procured the masks for Rs 16 per piece.

“The Centre had fixed the price for procurement of PPE kits, but the State government ignored the guidelines and procured the kits at inflated rates. It clearly indicates misappropriation of crores of rupees,” alleged State BJP general secretary, Prithviraj Harichandan.

“An impartial probe is needed into the matter as several bigwigs of State government are involved. People have the right to know the reason behind Hemant Sharma’s removal from Covid-19 purchase committee,” Harichandan said.

He further alleged that the State government does not have the willingness to control the Coronavirus for which it has relived nine IAS officers engaged in the management of the pandemic.

Congress also came up with similar accusations and demanded that a probe panel should be constituted to find out who are involved in the irregularities.

“While the rate was fixed at Rs 10, why the State government purchased the kits at Rs 16,” questioned Congress MLA, Sura Routray.

“Replacing Hemant Sharma is not enough. An investigation is needed to bring all those involved in the scam to book. They should be suspended or dismissed,” he said.

Replacing Hemant Sharma is not enough; an investigation is needed to bring all those involved in the scam to book, says Congress MLA Sura Routray on ‘lapses’ in procurement of #Covid19 PPE kits #Odishapic.twitter.com/kJ19EdX47h

However, State Health minister and member of the ministerial-level committee, Naba Kishore Das justified that there were no irregularities in the procurement of the kits.

“The procurement was done as per the direction of the government and there are no irregularities,” he said.

Reacting to the allegations of the opposition, ruling-BJD vice-president Prafulla Ghadai said, “Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik never encourages corruption. In case of any irregularities, he takes prompt action.”

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik never encourages corruption; in case of any irregularities, he takes prompt action: BJD vice-president Prafulla Ghadai on allegations of lapses in the procurement of #Covid19 PPE kits in #Odishapic.twitter.com/3LehbP4UPb

Earlier yesterday, the State government removed IAS officer Hemant Sharma from the COVID-19 procurement committee and soon after it rescinded the order entrusting additional responsibility of COVID-19 management in the state to nine senior officials.

Odisha government spokesperson, Subroto Bagchi today said that “The reshuffle in bureaucracy for COVID19 management was necessitated by govt’s long term plan to deal with the pandemic; some officials have to return to their existing responsibilities, while new hands have to be brought in to ensure that only a few are not overburdened.”

Reshuffle in bureaucracy for #COVID19 management necessitated by govt’s long term plan; some officials have to return to their existing responsibilities, while new hands have to be brought to ensure that only a few are not overburdened: #Odisha Govt spokesperson, Subroto Bagchi

Bhubaneswar: Odisha government spokesperson on Coronavirus, Subroto Bagchi on Saturday said that COVID-19 infection might reach its fourth stage later this month. Citing the increasing cases of the positive cases despite all measures and awareness, he said, “In Odisha, Covid-19 infection may reach its 4th stage this month. Maximum infection is apprehended in this month.” […]

Bhubaneswar: Odisha government spokesperson on Coronavirus, Subroto Bagchi on Saturday said that COVID-19 infection might reach its fourth stage later this month. Citing the increasing cases of the positive cases despite all measures and awareness, he said, “In Odisha, Covid-19 infection may reach its 4th stage this month. Maximum infection is apprehended in this month.”

Urging people to take maximum precaution during this period, he said adherence to quarantine guideline, Covid-19 protocol and self-restraint are the only means to fight this infection.

To control the spread, a two-day weekend shutdown started in 11 of the 30 districts with high Covid-19 cases. The shutdown on Saturdays and Sundays will continue in these districts till the end of the month.

Meanwhile, the state government warned of action against the people returning from abroad for not responding to calls from 104 or the state call centre.

“All foreign returnees should cooperate and take calls on their registered numbers from 104/state call centre. Keeping phones in switched off mode or non-acknowledgement of calls will be viewed as jumping of home quarantine and liable to be prosecuted as per penal provisions,” said the health department.

As many as 112 Covid-19 patients in Odisha have recovered from the disease on Saturday, bringing the total recoveries in the State to 1716.

Earlier in the day, Odisha witnessed the highest single-day spike of coronavirus with detection of 173 new cases, taking the total tally to in the State to 2781. Of the total positives, a highest 64 COVID-19 cases have been reported from Ganjam district, followed by 19 from Jajpur and 13 each from Cuttack and Mayurbhanj districts.

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC) on Saturday announced that it will resume bus operations on 66 routes across the State from Monday (June 8). “We are resuming regular service with 96 buses connecting 22 towns in the state. We will keep adding more number of buses and routes over a period of […]

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC) on Saturday announced that it will resume bus operations on 66 routes across the State from Monday (June 8).

“We are resuming regular service with 96 buses connecting 22 towns in the state. We will keep adding more number of buses and routes over a period of time,” said OSRTC CMD Arun Bothra.

He said that in accordance with policy and direction of the State government, the OSRTC has been active in helping guest workers. On requisition by District Administration buses are being provided for movement of guest workers.

“Till last week out of 440 buses operated by OSRTC, 70 % were deployed to facilitate transportation of guest workers. Now when this work load is reducing and there is demand of regular bus service from several districts, the OSRTC is resuming its regular operations,” Bothra said.

He further informed that no standing passengers will be allowed to travel in buses. Wearing of mask will be compulsory for all the commuters. No one will be allowed to board the bus without a mask.

“In larger public interest we are asking people not to travel unless it is necessary and maintain social distancing. It is in their own interest they should not crowd the buses”, said Bothra.

Additional cleaning measures have been put in place to disinfect all the buses, he added.

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has decided to operate day cruise service at five selected water bodies with the participation of the private sector, an official said on Saturday. The tourism department has invited proposals from prospective applicants for organising day cruises at Chilika Lake, Mahanadi, Bhitarkanika, Satkosia George and Hirakud reservoir in Odisha. #Odisha plans […]

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has decided to operate day cruise service at five selected water bodies with the participation of the private sector, an official said on Saturday.

The tourism department has invited proposals from prospective applicants for organising day cruises at Chilika Lake, Mahanadi, Bhitarkanika, Satkosia George and Hirakud reservoir in Odisha.

#Odisha plans to operate cruises in Chilika, Hirakud, Mahanadi, Bhitarkanika & Satkosia gorge as part of its plan to develop tourism sector in the State; invites expression of interest (EoI) by July 10

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has put on hold its plan to close down schools having enrolment of less than 20 students and asked the authorities to begin admission process for the next academic year from June 8. Admission process for primary and secondary classes will be carried out in all schools across the State from […]

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has put on hold its plan to close down schools having enrolment of less than 20 students and asked the authorities to begin admission process for the next academic year from June 8.

Admission process for primary and secondary classes will be carried out in all schools across the State from June 8 and it will be completed by July 15, informed School and Mass Education Minister, Samir Dash on Saturday.

The State Higher Education Department had decided to close down schools having enrolment/strength of less than 20 students and merge them with nearby schools. However, the directive will not be implemented this year, said the Minister.

Schools with less than 20 students will not be closed; admission will commence on June 8 & continue till July 15: School & Mass Education Minister, Samir Dash #Odishapic.twitter.com/VWnWRKtQX8

“Those schools which conducted admission in last academic session will do the same this year. No directive has been issued for closure of any schools,” Dash said.

In view of the Coronavirus situation, the Odisha government has already announced that schools, colleges and other educational institutions where training and coaching are being provided will remain closed in the State till July 31.

Moreover, the Board of Secondary Education (BSE) has cancelled evaluation of Matric examination answer sheets in 11 districts where weekly 48-hour shutdown (Saturdays & Sundays) has been ordered. As shutdown will be enforced in 11 districts on Saturdays and Sundays throughout the month of June, the evaluation process will remain suspended during that period. The districts where the evaluation process has been suspended due to shutdown are Bolangir, Ganjam, Puri, Nayagarh, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, Khurda, Jajpur, Bhadrak and Balasore. However, the evaluation process will continue in the remaining districts as per schedule.

Keonjhar: In a first major loot during COVID-19 lockdown, armed miscreants decamped with over Rs 8 lakh after attacking an employee of a company engaged in transportation of minerals in Keonjhar district. As per reports, miscreants intercepted two staff of the company when they were reportedly travelling on a two-wheeler near Thakurdihi under Sadar police […]

Keonjhar: In a first major loot during COVID-19 lockdown, armed miscreants decamped with over Rs 8 lakh after attacking an employee of a company engaged in transportation of minerals in Keonjhar district.

As per reports, miscreants intercepted two staff of the company when they were reportedly travelling on a two-wheeler near Thakurdihi under Sadar police limits on Saturday.

After attacking one of the staff with a sharp weapon, the miscreants looted the cash and decamped on a bike after firing one round of bullet. The injured staff has been admitted to a nearby hospital.

Sources said the two employees were returning after withdrawing money from IDBI bank.

Bhubaneswar: As many as 112 Covid-19 patients in Odisha have recovered from the disease on Saturday, bringing the total recoveries in the State to 1716. According to Health and Family Welfare Department, highest 33 patients have recovered from Kendrapara, 16 from Balangir, 11 from Jajpur, 10 from Sundergarh, 8 from Jagatsinghpur, 7 each from Ganjam […]

Bhubaneswar: As many as 112 Covid-19 patients in Odisha have recovered from the disease on Saturday, bringing the total recoveries in the State to 1716.

According to Health and Family Welfare Department, highest 33 patients have recovered from Kendrapara, 16 from Balangir, 11 from Jajpur, 10 from Sundergarh, 8 from Jagatsinghpur, 7 each from Ganjam and Khurda, 4 each from Cuttack and Sonepur, 3 each from Balasore, Puri and Sambalpur, 2 from Nayagarh and 1 from Mayurbhanj.

With this, the total active cases of Covid-19 in the State now stand at 1055 with eight fatalities.

Earlier in the day, Odisha witnessed highest single day spike of coronavirus with detection of 173 new cases, taking the total tally to in the State to 2781. Of the total positives, a highest 64 COVID-19 cases have been reported from Ganjam district, followed by 19 from Jajpur and 13 each from Cuttack and Mayurbhanj districts.

Notably, 48-hour curfew-like shutdown has been enforced in 11 districts of Odisha from today in order to flatten the curve of rising cases of coronavirus. The weekend shutdown, on Saturdays and Sundays, will be clamped in 11 districts- Ganjam, Puri, Nayagarh, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, Khurda, Jajpur, Bhadrak and Balasore for the entire month of June.

Nuapada: Once again concerns have been expressed over poor state of affairs at temporary medical camps (TMC) in Odisha after the death of a seven-year-old girl at a COVID-19 facility in Nuapada. It is alleged that the girl died after the concerned official at the TMC did not shift her to a hospital in the […]

Nuapada: Once again concerns have been expressed over poor state of affairs at temporary medical camps (TMC) in Odisha after the death of a seven-year-old girl at a COVID-19 facility in Nuapada.

It is alleged that the girl died after the concerned official at the TMC did not shift her to a hospital in the district after her condition deteriorated. The deceased has been identified as Barsha Kalsai.

As per reports, Barsha had returned to Odisha on Friday along with her parents in a special train from Andhra Pradesh. The family was kept at Chalanpada TMC under Khariar block.

The family members alleged that the girl developed high fever in the evening and even though they reported the matter to the officials of the TMC, they did not take any step for shifting the girl to hospital.

Father of the deceased girl, Daktar Kalsai alleged that there was no doctor available at the TMC and the officials present also didn’t pay heed to his request to shift Barsha to hospital for treatment.

However, the concerned TMC official could not be contact over the allegations.

Khariar BDO, on the other hand, informed that swab of the deceased girl will be collected for COVID-19 test and only after probe, the exact reason behind her death can be ascertained.

Kendrapara: Acting as a protective barrier, the mangrove forests in Bhitarkanika National Park withstood high-velocity winds and protected the area when cyclone Amphan barrelled through the Odisha coast, leaving a trail of destruction, officials said. The tropical cyclone had triggered damage in coastal parts, but it had spared Bhitarkanika National Park and adjoining hamlets in […]

Kendrapara: Acting as a protective barrier, the mangrove forests in Bhitarkanika National Park withstood high-velocity winds and protected the area when cyclone Amphan barrelled through the Odisha coast, leaving a trail of destruction, officials said.

The tropical cyclone had triggered damage in coastal parts, but it had spared Bhitarkanika National Park and adjoining hamlets in Kendrapara district with lush-green luxuriant mangrove cover acting as protective barrier to nature’s fury.

Almost a fortnight after the cyclonic storm, the national park authorities have come out with brighter and cheering notes – the mangrove forest successfully withstood the wind velocity of the cyclone.

Because of the thick density of mangrove forest in Bhitarkanika, the flora and fauna of the park were unharmed due to the cyclone, said Divisional Forest Officer, Rajnagar Mangrove (wildlife) Forest Division, Bikash Ranjan Dash.

The villages on the close periphery of the national park were also saved as the mangrove cover acted as a buffer zone in protecting the human settlements, he said.

It is because of the mangroves that the coastal region including the national park could not be impacted by cyclone.

In the 1999 super cyclone, the area was also saved as the species bore the onslaught of gusty wind. The mangrove is a proven and time-tested natural barrier against tidal surge and cyclones in these parts.

People in these parts have also realized the immense utility value of mangrove forest and are lending a helping hand to the forest department in the conservation of this tidal woodland. Mangrove forests with its intricate root system stabilize the coastline, reducing erosion from storm surges, currents, waves, and tides, the official said.

Bhitarakanika is one of the richest storehouses of mangrove genes. Researchers have come across 11 of the 70 mangrove species, which were at elevated threat of extinction in the world, in Bhitarakanika. Mangroves are regarded as natural barriers against the tidal surge and cyclones. Because of its rich mangrove cover, cyclonic storms from time to time have failed to make inroads into the wetland sites, he said.

Odisha with a mangrove forest area of 231 square kilometre with a major chunk of being in Bhitarkanika stands second only to Sunderbans in West Bengal. Besides Bhitarkanika in Kendrapara, the districts of Balasore, Bhadrak, Jagatsinghpur and Puri are also home to mangrove, otherwise known as coastal woodland, said another official.

Around 82 square km area in Bhitarkanika is densely mangrove-infested while 95 square km area is having moderate mangrove forest. 54 square km patches are sparsely covered under Mangrove forest, he said.

“October 29-30, 1999-super cyclone had devastated large areas. However, our village was saved from natures fury as the standing mangroves trees acted as bio-shield. Since then, locals realized that mangrove is the lifeline for people living here. Locals here religiously adhere to the policy of protecting the forest”, recalled Pradeep Das, a resident of Dangamal village lying on the close periphery of the Bhitarkanika National Park.

The mangrove forest considerably reduced the wind velocity during 1999 super cyclone. It did so during cyclone Amphan that rolled past Odisha coast, he said.

Bhubaneswar: Despite strict norms and SOPs, various narcotics substances including brown sugar and mobile phones are easily reaching inmates of Khurda jail. The shocking visuals of inmates striking brown sugar deal, using drugs and mobile phones from inside the jail have come as a major concern and exposed the lapses in the existing security measures […]

The shocking visuals of inmates striking brown sugar deal, using drugs and mobile phones from inside the jail have come as a major concern and exposed the lapses in the existing security measures at the concerned jail.

In the video, an inmate can be heard speaking to someone over telephone and saying, “Our superintendent is a nice person and just make sure to call before arriving at the jail with brown sugar and other narcotics.”

Former DGP Sanjiv Marik said, “Without the knowledge and nexus of concerned jail officials, such illegal activities cannot happen as there are three-tier security arrangements in jail. The visuals of use and flow of narcotics in jails is certainly shocking.”

The easy availability of drugs as well as mobile phones not only shocking but it is likely to create problems for the other law enforcing agencies as the criminals are now getting scope to operate their crime syndicate from behind the four walls of jails in the State.

It is pertinent to mention here that the Special Task Force (STF) of Crime Branch has so far seized brown sugar worth over Rs 8 crore following raids in different parts of the State.

Though time and again narcotics substances have been seized following raids in different jails in the past, a complete check on the flow of such articles has not be possible so far.

Former Excise Commissioner, Sudarshan Nayak said, “There is a nexus among police, politicians and criminals due to which such incidents are happening. Stern action needs to be taken against the officials involved or allowing such illegal activities.”

Later in the day, Khurda SP said, “After discussions with the Collector, raid will be conducted on the jail soon & strong action will be taken after probe.”

Soon after the SP’s comment, raids were conducted at the sub-jail by police officials in the presence of district magistrate, sub-collector and other senior officials. One platoon of police force was deployed on the jail premises during the raid to thwart any untoward incident.

Bhubaneswar: Once again stressing on disaster-resilient infrastructure, Odisha government on Friday sought a Rs 20,000-crore package from the Centre. Placing the demand and other requirements before the Inter-Ministerial Central Team that undertook spot assessment of the damages caused by cyclone Amphan, Chief Secretary Asit Kumar Tripathy apprised that preliminary estimate of Rs 20,000 crore has […]

Bhubaneswar: Once again stressing on disaster-resilient infrastructure, Odisha government on Friday sought a Rs 20,000-crore package from the Centre.

Placing the demand and other requirements before the Inter-Ministerial Central Team that undertook spot assessment of the damages caused by cyclone Amphan, Chief Secretary Asit Kumar Tripathy apprised that preliminary estimate of Rs 20,000 crore has been made for resilient infrastructure building and immediate restoration of the damages caused by cyclone Amphan.

“Resilient infrastructure building is thrust of our memorandum,” said Tripathy adding that a final memorandum will be sent by next week.

Bolangir: A youth allegedly hacked his uncle and aunt to death and dumped their bodies in a well in Odisha. The gruesome incident has been reported from Kutrabeda village under Bongamunda Police limits in Bolangir district. Sources said the accused Kusa Nag killed his uncle Trilochan and aunt Seema Nag with the help of a […]

Bolangir: A youth allegedly hacked his uncle and aunt to death and dumped their bodies in a well in Odisha. The gruesome incident has been reported from Kutrabeda village under Bongamunda Police limits in Bolangir district.

Sources said the accused Kusa Nag killed his uncle Trilochan and aunt Seema Nag with the help of a sharp weapon last night. Though the exact motive behind the double murder is still unclear, it is suspected that Kusa killed the duo over past land dispute.

Daughter of the deceased

“My father was playing cards when Kusa came and attacked him following an argument at around 10 pm yesterday. He also killed my mother when she rushed to save my father,” said Gomati, daughter of the deceased, Trilochan.

Gomati further informed that her family had a dispute with Kusa over a piece of land and a case in this connection was also registered. “We want stern action against the accused,” she added.

Meanwhile, Bongamunda police has detained the accused and efforts have begun for retrieving the bodies from the well.

Bhubaneswar: A jawan of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) from Odisha tested positive for COVID-19 after his return from West Bengal. The jawan was part of the eight units that were sent to Kolkata to carry out relief and restoration works after super cyclone Amphan wreaked havoc in the neighbouring State last month. Sources said […]

Bhubaneswar: A jawan of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) from Odisha tested positive for COVID-19 after his return from West Bengal. The jawan was part of the eight units that were sent to Kolkata to carry out relief and restoration works after super cyclone Amphan wreaked havoc in the neighbouring State last month.

Sources said the swabs of six personnel including the concerned NDRF jawan were collected after COVID-19 symptoms were found in them. The screening was done at SCB Cuttack following their return from Kolkata as part of the protocol in place for containing the spread of COVID-19.

Swab report of one of the NDRF jawans came positive for COVID-19 yesterday and he has now been admitted to the dedicated COVID hospital in Cuttack.

Apart from NDRF, 372 personnel of Odisha Fire Services and ODRAF personnel, who also returned from West Bengal following completion of post cyclone Amphan restoration work, have also been sent on a 14-day quarantine.

All the 372 personnel of Odisha Fire Services have been kept in isolation at the temporary medical camps at Krupajal Engineering College campus and Revenue officers’ training institute and soon they will undergo a COVID-19 test.

Earlier, Odisha government had deployed ODRAF and personnel of Odisha Fire Services to assist West Bengal in carrying out relief and restoration works. The officials as well as residents of the neighbouring State had lauded the efforts of Odisha rescue team in resorting essential services.

Bhubaneswar: As many as 173 new cases of COVID-19 were reported in Odisha in the last 24 hours, taking the total tally to 2781 on Saturday. This is the highest single-day spike in COVID-19 positive cases reported from the State so far. Of the total positives, a highest 64 COVID-19 cases have been reported from […]

Bhubaneswar: As many as 173 new cases of COVID-19 were reported in Odisha in the last 24 hours, taking the total tally to 2781 on Saturday. This is the highest single-day spike in COVID-19 positive cases reported from the State so far.

Of the total positives, a highest 64 COVID-19 cases have been reported from Ganjam district, followed by 19 from Jajpur and 13 each from Cuttack and Mayurbhanj districts.

As per the Health and Family Welfare Department, the number of COVID-19 active cases now stands at 1167 in Odisha while 1604 persons have recuperated so far.

Out of the total 173 new COVID-19 cases, 150 cases have been reported from quarantine centres while 23 are local contact cases. 3611 RT PCR tests were conducted in the last 24 hours while the cumulative now stands at 172621.

Bhubaneswar: In a big relief to pet owners, Animal Welfare Board Of India (AWBI) has urged states to allow owners to take their pets outside for daily walks amid the Covid-19 lockdown. In a letter to Chief Secretaries of all the States and Union Territories, AWBI said that ‘stopping pets and other animals for nature’s […]

Bhubaneswar: In a big relief to pet owners, Animal Welfare Board Of India (AWBI) has urged states to allow owners to take their pets outside for daily walks amid the Covid-19 lockdown.

In a letter to Chief Secretaries of all the States and Union Territories, AWBI said that ‘stopping pets and other animals for nature’s call and exercise is a part of offense as accumulation of body excretion in the body creates physiological changes and toxicity in the animal body’ leading to a change in their normal behaviour and also death.

“Keeping these animals in the home without exercise also creates metabolic disturbances in the animal body like human being. Hence, the animal owners need to take their animal out from their home and no one can stop these animals,” stated AWBI.

The advisory body also urged the Chief Secretaries to ‘direct local administration to create at least three time slots of 20 minutes each in all the zones during which pet owners can take their animals out to urinate or defecate and for walk/ exercise’ provided they adhere to the guideline issued by the board.

Pet owners are to identify nearest person or contact of dog shelter or day-care who can take care for their pet in case of pet owner or their family member infected with Covid-19.

Limit the pet walks or exercise and take pets out for natures call during time slot specified by the local authorities or police. They pet owners should strictly maintain social distancing norms and any other precautions as specified by the government at the time of taking pets for walk and nature’s call.

Pet owners are strictly advised to avoid any unnecessary contact of their pets with other humans and animals. If case, a pet comes into contact with any person suspicious of Covid-19, it should be first isolated and then proper precaution to be taken like proper bath with soap / shampoo and also take advice of their veterinarian.

Pet owners are advised to get their pets vaccinated and keep vaccination record readily available.

Bhubaneswar: A thick blanket of security cover is in place in the twin cities of Cuttack and Bhubaneswar in view of the 48-hour weekend shutdown which began in 11 districts of Odisha today. Odisha government has ordered a complete shutdown of non-essential services to contain and flatten the COVID-19 curve which saw a sharp rise […]

Bhubaneswar: A thick blanket of security cover is in place in the twin cities of Cuttack and Bhubaneswar in view of the 48-hour weekend shutdown which began in 11 districts of Odisha today.

Odisha government has ordered a complete shutdown of non-essential services to contain and flatten the COVID-19 curve which saw a sharp rise following the massive influx of migrants from several other states.

The weekend shutdown, on Saturdays and Sundays, will be clamped in 11 districts- Ganjam, Puri, Nayagarh, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, Khurda, Jajpur, Bhadrak and Balasore for the entire month of June.

Earlier, CM Naveen Patnaik in a video message had also appealed people not to step out of homes uncessarily and follow the social distancing norms along with other government guidelines to stay protected from COVID-19.

All the essential services including healthcare services, drinking water and electricity supply, RBI, other clearing houses and ATM counters will remain open during the weekend shutdown in 11 districts. Airport, railway stations and bus terminals will also function as usual.

There will be no restriction on movement of people associated with these organisations.

Home delivery of food by restaurants and aggregators like Zomato and Swiggy, LPG distribution and newspaper hawkers (5am to 8am) have also been exempted.
However, people engaged in such services will have to carry their identity cards as well as vehicle passes. Taxis, auto-rickshaws and others in emergency services can use the passes issued by the police department.

The police will also issue passes for marriages and funerals. In case of any other emergency situation, people are advised to dial helpline number 100 for passes, informed Commissionerate Police.

Bhubaneswar: In an effort to flatten the rising curve of COVID19 infections in Odisha, complete shutdown on Saturdays and Sundays will be implemented in 11 districts across the State from tomorrow. The State government has issued notifications detailing out what will remain shut during the enforcement of the shutdown and what emergency services are exempted […]

Bhubaneswar: In an effort to flatten the rising curve of COVID19 infections in Odisha, complete shutdown on Saturdays and Sundays will be implemented in 11 districts across the State from tomorrow.

The State government has issued notifications detailing out what will remain shut during the enforcement of the shutdown and what emergency services are exempted from the shutdown, which will be enforced all throughout the month of June.

According to the State government, healthcare services, drinking water and electricity supply, RBI, other clearing houses and ATM counters will remain open. Airport, railway stations and bus terminals will also function as usual. There will be no restriction on movement of people associated with these organisations.

Home delivery of food by restaurants and aggregators like Zomato and Swiggy, LPG distribution and newspaper hawkers (5am to 8am) have also been exempted. However, people engaged in such services have to carry their identity cards as well as vehicle passes. Taxis, auto-rickshaws and others in emergency services can use the passes issued by the police department. The police will also issue passes for marriages and funerals. In case of any other emergency situation, people are advised to dial helpline number 100 for passes.

Home delivery of food by restaurants and aggregators like Zomato and Swiggy, LPG distribution & newspaper hawkers (5am to 8am) exempted during weekend shutdown as per the revised order issued by #Odisha government pic.twitter.com/Zriagr62kU

“The weekend shutdown in 11 districts will begin from tomorrow. I appeal people not to venture out of their houses in case there is no emergency,” said Health Minister, Naba Kishore Das.

Police in 11 districts are gearing up for strict enforcement of the shutdown. Patrolling will also be intensified to ensure that people stay indoors during the shutdown.

“These efforts are to break the chain of Covid-19 infection. There will be massive force deployment in the twin cities of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack to restrict non-essential movement. We appeal all to stay at home. People should carry identity cards in case they come out of their homes,” said Twin City Police Commissioner, Sudhanshu Sarangi.

Speaking about enforcement, Kendrapara Collector Samarth Varma said, “Except essential stores like medicine shops, all other shops will remain closed during the shutdown.”

“Those engaged in emergency services can work during the shutdown by taking the permission from the concerned organisations,” said Cuttack collector, Bhabani Shankar Chaini.

Ahead of the shutdown, markets across the State today witnessed unprecedented rush with people going on a buying spree to stock essential items. In view of high demand, the prices of essential commodities like potato and onion also witnessed a sharp increase in many places.

Bhubaneswar: Amid raging controversy over alleged lapses in procurement of Covid-19 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), masks & testing kits, the Odisha government on Friday removed IAS officer, Hemant Sharma from the State Covid-19 purchase committee. Sharma, who is currently serving as Principal Secretary of the Industries Department with additional charge as principal secretary of MSME […]

Sharma, who is currently serving as Principal Secretary of the Industries Department with additional charge as principal secretary of MSME department, was entrusted additional responsibility of COVID19 management that included supervision of procurement of all essential pharmaceutical goods, PPEs, masks as well as critical care equipment in the State.

‘Sharma has been rescinded from the duty,’ stated an official notification issued by the General Administration and Public Grievances department.

Recently, some glaring yet inexplicable variations were observed in the procurement of face masks and testing kits by the Odisha government.

As per an investigation carried out by OTV, Odisha State Medical Corporation had issued purchase order for triple-layer face masks to a Faridabad-based company on April 15. The order was placed at Rs 9.90 per unit. However, just after a couple of days on April 17, the corporation placed another order for the same quality of mask to a Tamil Nadu-based firm at Rs 16 per piece. Moreover, while 5 lakh masks were ordered at Rs 9.90 per unit, around 30 lakh masks were ordered at Rs 16 per unit, leaving a lot to be explained as to why such a large order was placed at such an inflated price within a span of 48 hours.

Similarly, testing kits were procured from three different companies at three different rates. Odisha State Medical Corporation had issued a purchase order (ER19611) for procuring testing kits from a Kolkata-based firm on April 21, 2020 at Rs 1,321 per kit. The order was placed for two lakh kits at a price of Rs 26, 43,20,000.

On May 7, an order (ER19656) was placed with RMRC for procuring 45,000 kits at Rs 1,125 per kit and a Bhubaneswar-based company was paid Rs 5,60,00,000. Four days later, the third purchase order (ER19675) was issued on May 11 for 4,920 kits at Rs 980 per kit and a Bhubaneswar-based company was paid Rs 48,21,000.

The BJP had lashed out at the State government over the alleged irregularities in the procurement of the kits. “It is really unfortunate that some people are trying to make profits when people in the State are grappling with a pandemic,” BJP general secretary, Lekhashree Samantsinghar had said.

On the other hand, Congress has demanded a CBI inquiry into the alleged irregularities. “A high-level probe must be initiated into the matter. The State government must conduct a judicial inquiry or hand over the case to the CBI,” said Congress leader, Ramchandra Khuntia.

Reacting to the allegations, BJD said, a probe will be conducted and action will be taken in case any corruption is found.

“The State government never tolerated any corruption. If there is corruption in procurement of kits, the State government will certainly order a probe and take action accordingly,” ruling-BJD leader, Sashi Bhusan Behera said.

Bhubaneswar: In a path-breaking decision towards women empowerment and inclusive sanitation, the Odisha government on Friday handed over Operation and Maintenance (O&M) of four Septage Treatment Plants (SeTPs) to self-Help Groups (SHGs) run by women and transgender. The treatment facilities were handed over to women SHGs in Berhampur, Baripada and Sambalpur and to a transgender […]

Bhubaneswar: In a path-breaking decision towards women empowerment and inclusive sanitation, the Odisha government on Friday handed over Operation and Maintenance (O&M) of four Septage Treatment Plants (SeTPs) to self-Help Groups (SHGs) run by women and transgender.

The treatment facilities were handed over to women SHGs in Berhampur, Baripada and Sambalpur and to a transgender SHG in Cuttack through a contract agreement signed between the SHGs and the Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) at an event presided over by Panchayati Raj, Housing and Urban Development Minister, Pratap Jena, held through video conference.

Speaking on the occasion, Jena said, SHGs are now at the forefront of all development activities including sanitation in Odisha and have proven their ability time and again.

Women SHGs have been managing the operation and maintenance of community toilets very well across several cities in the state, he added.

“Now we took this decision of handing over the O&M of SeTPs to the SHGs for better community ownership and participation.

“We are happy that the transgender and women SHGs have come up to the level of managing a Septage treatment facility, which requires technical and managerial skills and earlier managed by engineers of the department,” Jena said.

“Community managed sanitation infrastructure not only results in community ownership but also makes it more sustainable in the longer run,” said the Principal Secretary, Housing & Urban Development, G. Mathi Vathanan on the noble initiative.

The SHGs have been chosen after careful evaluation of their capacities and past track record and have been trained thoroughly and rigorously on different aspects of O&M, he said.

The treatment plants were handed over to the SHGs through a service contract between the concerned Urban Local Body (ULB) and the SHGs.

The ULBs will continue to provide technical and handholding assistance technical support shall continue to the SHGs during the agreement period to make the partnership successful.

Odisha has been a frontrunner in Faecal Sludge and Septage Management (FSSM) in the Country; with this initiative it has now gone to another level of community management of sanitation facilities and building sustainable measures.

Besides these current four cities, SHGs will also be engaged in the other functions as well as future SeTPs.

This is possible due to the efforts of our team & its commitment to empowering the vulnerable groups achieved through appropriate capacity& confidence-building measures.

It is a momentous event for the SHGs. We have completed the training on O&M of the plant and are really excited to take over the management, said Swapna Rani Tripathy, a member of the Agrata City Level Federation (CLF) of SHGs that has taken over the O&M of the plant located in Mohuda in Berhampur.

The SHGs will now be responsible for the daily O&M of the SeTPs which includes Managing entry of cesspool vehicles for discharging faecal sludge at the plant, regular treatment, minor repair, upkeep of the plant and management of the staff.

The septage plants will also reuse the treated water and sludge by using the treated sludge as co-compost for the nursery set up near the plant and the wastewater for watering the plants and lawns, said an official.

With more than 90 additional septage treatment plants coming up in the state by next year, and with more than 32,000 existing SHGs across 114 towns and cities, community engagement for operation and maintenance of sanitation facilities holds enormous potential, he said.

Bhubaneswar: Of late, twin cities of Cuttack and Bhubaneswar are witnessing a surge in COVID-19 positive cases. In the past 24 hours, as per the Health and Family Welfare department, a highest of 23 COVID-19 positive cases were reported from Cuttack (3 from CMC area) while 13 new positive cases were reported from Bhubaneswar. As […]

Bhubaneswar: Of late, twin cities of Cuttack and Bhubaneswar are witnessing a surge in COVID-19 positive cases. In the past 24 hours, as per the Health and Family Welfare department, a highest of 23 COVID-19 positive cases were reported from Cuttack (3 from CMC area) while 13 new positive cases were reported from Bhubaneswar.

As many as 130 new COVID-19 cases were reported in Odisha in the last 24 hours.

As per district administration officials, out of the total 23 new cases in Cuttack district, three have been reported from Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) area.

CMC officials informed that one person from Deulasahi and Siddheswar Sahi, who are contacts of previous positive cases, have tested positive for COVID-19. The third person, who tested positive for COVID, has a travel history and is symptomatic. All the three cases have been shifted to Ashwini hospital while further contact tracing and testing is being carried out, informed CMC officials in a tweet.

3 out of 23 new #COVID-19 cases in #Cuttack district belong to CMC area.

1 from Deulasahi & another from Siddheswar Sahi (contacts of earlier positive cases) & 3rd a symptomatic with travel history, presently in a paid quarantine. All of them shifted to Ashwini hospital: CMC

Out of the 13 new COVID-positive cases which have been reported from Bhubaneswar in the last 24 hours, seven are home quarantine cases and six are local contact cases.

Sharing details of the new COVID-19 positives, Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) officials informed that the seven home quarantine cases have a travel history to Delhi, Maharashtra, Jharkhand and West Bengal.

Two cases from new Forest park area and one each from Patrapada and Laxmisagar have travel history to Delhi. Similarly, cases from Tankapani Road, Chintamaniswar and Old Town have travel history to Jharkhand, Maharashtra and West Bengal, respectively.

The six local contact cases have been reported from Dumduma, Unit-IV, Salia Sahi, Aiginia and Laxmisagar areas of Bhubaneswar.

Out of the 10 worst COVID-19 affected districts in the State, Ganjam and Khurda districts have the highest number of active cases, 176 and 135 respectively followed by 95 in Cuttack and 81 in Bolangir. (Till last updated govt figures at 5PM).

It is pertinent to mention here that Ganjam district had initially seen a spike in COVID-19 cases following the influx of migrants from several hotspots in different parts of the country including Gujarat, Maharashtra, Delhi and other States.

Bhubaneswar: Citing birth of babies on Shramik Special Trains as good and auspicious omen for Indian Railways, East Coast Railways has introduced a novel concept of distributing gifts to such newborn babies. Officials, on personal and voluntary sponsorship basis, will sponsor a gift coupon of Rs 5,000 to each of the newborn babies in the […]

Bhubaneswar: Citing birth of babies on Shramik Special Trains as good and auspicious omen for Indian Railways, East Coast Railways has introduced a novel concept of distributing gifts to such newborn babies.

Officials, on personal and voluntary sponsorship basis, will sponsor a gift coupon of Rs 5,000 to each of the newborn babies in the jurisdiction, a statement released by ECoR said.

Meanwhile, another delivery was reported on an Odisha-bound Shramik Special train after a woman passenger gave birth to a baby boy at Titilagarh Railway Station on Friday morning.

As reported, the woman, identified as Meena Kumbhar (19) from Thodibahal village in Bolangir district, delivered the baby after the train arrived in Titilagarh at 5.40 AM, East Coast Railway (ECoR) sources said. The woman had boarded the train at Lingampali in Telangana for Bolangir.

Woman delivers baby on a Shramik Special train near Titlagarh railway station while travelling from Lingampali in Telangana to Bolangir.

Doctors at the railway health unit in Titilagarh attended the mother and her new-born. Following the direction of Assistant Divisional Medical Officer (ADMO), both of them were shifted to the Sub-Divisional Hospital at Titilagarh through the Janani ambulance service. Later, ECoR GM Vidya Bhushan sent a gift amount of Rs 5000 for the baby.

This is the third delivery case on a Shramik special train under the jurisdiction of East Coast Railway and also in Odisha and the 37th case in Indian railways.

Of the three babies in ECoR jurisdiction, two have been born at Titilagarh and one at Bolangir.

Bhubaneswar: As many as 123 persons infected with COVID-19 recovered in Odisha on Friday, taking the total recoveries in the State to 1604. Informing the development, State Health and Family Welfare Department said that the recovered patients are being discharged. While 35 patients recovered from Ganjam, 22 from Cuttack, 14 from Nuapada, 14 from Balangir, […]

Bhubaneswar: As many as 123 persons infected with COVID-19 recovered in Odisha on Friday, taking the total recoveries in the State to 1604.

Informing the development, State Health and Family Welfare Department said that the recovered patients are being discharged. While 35 patients recovered from Ganjam, 22 from Cuttack, 14 from Nuapada, 14 from Balangir, 10 from Khurda, 7 from Kandhamal, 5 from Koraput and 4 from Kendrapara.

With this, the active cases in the State now stand at 994 while death toll stands at eight.

35 from Ganjam
22 from Cuttack
14 from Nuapada
14 from Balangir
10 from Khurda
7 from Kandhamal
5 from Koraput
4 from Kendrapara
3 each from Balasore, Dhenkanal, Nayagarh
1 each from Angul, Mayurbhanj, Sundargarh

Earlier in the day, the State reported 130 new coronavirus cases and one death. Cuttack reported highest 23 positive cases, followed by 22 each in Khurda and Mayurbhanj, Ganjam 12, 7 each from Gajapati and Sundergarh district.

Similarly, 6 cases were detected in Koraput, 4 cases each in Bargarh and Bhadrak, three cases each in Bolangir, Jajpur, Kandhamal and Kalahandi, two cases each in Kendrapada, Keonjhar and Dhenkanal, and one case each in Puri, Rayagada, Jagatsinghpur , Angul and Sonepur.

On the other hand, a 63-year-old male of Khurda district who had tested positive for Covid-19 passed away while under treatment in a hospital. He was a chronic patient of diabetes and other underlying comorbidities, the State government informed.

Puri: Ahead of the annual Rath Yatra, Lord Jagannath and his siblings- Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra along with Chakraraj Sudarsan gave darshan to devotees in the mesmerizing ‘Hati Besha’ on the occasion of auspicious Snana Purnima on Friday. It was a grand spectacle for devotees as it is one of the beautiful and the […]

Puri: Ahead of the annual Rath Yatra, Lord Jagannath and his siblings- Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra along with Chakraraj Sudarsan gave darshan to devotees in the mesmerizing ‘Hati Besha’ on the occasion of auspicious Snana Purnima on Friday.

It was a grand spectacle for devotees as it is one of the beautiful and the foremost tradition associated with the presiding deities of Puri Jagannath temple especially the cycle of numerous festivals.

The tradition of decking up Holy Trinity in ‘Gajanana or Hati Besha’ after the ceremonial bath can be traced to the popular Hindu belief of invoking Lord Ganesh before any religious or auspicious event.

Usually the artisans and servitors begin the preparation for the elegant Hati Besha of Lord Jagannath and his elder brother Balabhadra much in advance. All the articles for the unique besha attire are traditionally prepared by the artisans at Raghaba Das Mutt and Gopal Tirtha Mutt.

The Puspalak and Dutta Mohapatra servitors usually carry out the service of adorning the deities with the Hati Besha.

Year-long cycle of festivals at Puri Srimandir begins from the #SnanaPurnima, the birthday of Lord Jagannath.

As a custom, Kalia Thakura & his sibling deities adorn Hati Besha as per a belief that every Hindu religious rite begins with worship of Lord Ganesh#RathYatrapic.twitter.com/b7qxYIwgQr

Prior to the Hati Besha, elaborate measures were undertaken by the Puri Jagannath Temple administration for the conduct of Snana Purnima rituals in which the presiding deities were given a royal bath following early morning rituals today.

In the absence of Puri Gajapati Maharaj Dibyasingha Deb, Mudiratha (representative) conducted ‘Chhera Panhara’ at the Snana Mandap after the deities were given the ceremonial bath with 108 pots filled with aromatic water today. All the rituals were performed by servitors as per previous fixed timings of SJTA.

#Watch Mudirasta (the representative of Puri Gajapati) performing ‘Chhera Panhara’ ritual on Snana Bedi in the absence of the latter.

“I decided to stay home (Sri Nahar) today only in compliance with government’s COVID lockdown guidelines which prohibits religious functions and congregations of moe than 7 persons outside the temple and prohibits persons over 65 years of age from venturing out of their homes,” said Gajapati Maharaj.

“This is the second time during my tenure when I have been unable to perform service to the Lords on Snana Jatra. The first time was in 1976 when I was in USA for my LLM programme at Northwestern University, Chicago. It is a well established tradition that Mudiratha performs all Seba before the Lords when Gajapati Maharaja is absent,” he added.

Bhubaneswar: A 63- year-old person, who had earlier tested positive for COVID-19, died while undergoing treatment in hospital. The deceased belongs to Khurda district. With this, the total COVID-19 death toll in Odisha has reached eight. As per State Health and Family Welfare Department, the 63-year-old male was a chronic patient of diabetes with other […]

Bhubaneswar: A 63- year-old person, who had earlier tested positive for COVID-19, died while undergoing treatment in hospital. The deceased belongs to Khurda district. With this, the total COVID-19 death toll in Odisha has reached eight.

As per State Health and Family Welfare Department, the 63-year-old male was a chronic patient of diabetes with other underlying comorbidities.

Regret to inform that a 63 year old male patient of Khordha district who had tested positive for Covid, passed away while under treatment in hospital.

He was a chronic patient of diabetes and other underlying comorbidities.

Earlier, the COVID-19 death toll in Odisha rose to seven after a 85-year-old man of Ganjam district, who had returned from Surat, succumbed to coronavirus on May 21. He had hypertension with other co-morbidities.

Of the eight deaths, three casualties have been reported from Ganjam, four from Khurda and one from Cuttack.

130 new COVID-19 cases were reported in the last 24 hours, taking Odisha’s tally to 2608 on Friday. A highest of 23 positive cases were reported from Cuttack, followed by 22 cases each from Khurda and Mayurbhanj districts.

The total active COVID-19 cases in Odisha has reached 1117 while 1481 persons have already recuperated from coronavirus infection.

Bhubaneswar: 130 new COVID-19 positive cases were reported in the last 24 hours in Odisha, taking the tally to 2608 on Friday. As per I &PR department, a highest of 23 positive cases were reported from Cuttack, followed by 22 each in Khurda and Mayurbhanj, 7 each from Gajapati and Sundergarh district. COVID-19 REPORT […]

Out of the 130 new SARS-nCoV cases reported in the last 24 hours, 124 cases are from quarantine centres & 6 local contacts. A total of 3186 RT PCR tests were conducted in the last 24 hours.

3 out of 23 cases belong to CMC area.
1. From Deulasahi,contact of a positive case
2. From Siddheswar Sahi,contact of a positive case, symptomatic
3. At paid quarantine, travel history and symptomatic.
All have been shifted to Ashwini hospital. Contact tracing & testing is on. https://t.co/LIUkIUKjMm

Puri: Since ages, Snana Purnima, a major ritual prelude to the famous Car festival or the Rath Yatra, has been drawing lakhs to devotees to the piligrim town of Puri every year. But this year, the buzz was missing as no devotees were allowed to attend the grand bathing ceremony of Lord Balabhadra, Goddess Subhadra […]

Puri: Since ages, Snana Purnima, a major ritual prelude to the famous Car festival or the Rath Yatra, has been drawing lakhs to devotees to the piligrim town of Puri every year. But this year, the buzz was missing as no devotees were allowed to attend the grand bathing ceremony of Lord Balabhadra, Goddess Subhadra and Lord Jagannath on Friday owing to COVID-19 restrictions.

However, the restrictions could not snap the bond between the devotees and the Lord Jagannath as millions of devotees watched the Snana Purnima rituals within the confines of their homes via Live telecast of the mega event.

After the Chaturdha Murti were brought to the Snana Mandap following a series of early morning rituals including the Pahanda, the deities were bathed with 108 pitchers of water mixed extracts of various aromatic herbs.

According to servitors, the ritual is observed to provide them relief from the summer heat. After the deities are bathed, they fall sick and remain in hibernation for 14 days.

As per tradition, 108 pots of water are collected from a designated ‘Suna’ well near Sitala temple inside the premises of Sri Mandir and stored at a place called ‘Adibasha Gruha’. This water is used to bath the deities.

The water is mixed with various potions of sandalwood, chua, agura and purified with a process called Sodasa Upachara.

Thirty five pots of water are prepared for bathing the deity of Sri Jagannath while his elder brother Lord Balabhadra bathes with 33 pots of water, 22 pots of water are emptied on Devi Subhadra and Sri Sudarshan is bathed with 18 pots of water.

Though the devotees missed the ‘Pahandi’ ritual in which the deities are escorted from the ‘Ratna Singhasana’ (jewel throne) to the Snana Mandap this year due to restrictions, everyone can watch the grand bathing followed by the Hati Besha of the Holy Trinity.

Amid restrictions on the entry and movement of devotees with enforcement of section 144 in and around areas of the Srimandir, a thick blanket of security cover has also been put in place by Odisha Police for hassle free completion of the festival.